Skeletal frame

**EBFoxbat** · 07-12-2004, 06:02 PM

Ok, I'm going to mount my entire system (screen and all) in a box that'll rest between the seats on the floor. I'm going to try to fit the contour of my dash as much as I can. I'm also going to try to place the surface of my screen at an angle that's conducive to viewing and touching.

I'm thinking I'm going to resess the screen a bit to reduce glare and to be able to put a cover over it (hopefully to prevent theft and add protection when not in use).

I plan to build a frame out of 1"x1" strapping. It's going to be pretty elaborate as it will hold all components and frame the skin of the box. I figure I'll use the thinnest plywood I can find for the skin, and then cover it with auto-motive carpet.

Because this will block my existing outlets, I'm going to extend them to mount out the sides.

Does anyone have anny suggestions for me to ponder before I start hacking away at it?

**antimatter** · 07-12-2004, 06:17 PM

Post a pic of your current dash if you have one.

If you are planning to have GPS you may not want to have to look down so much. Are there any alternitaves?

**wizardPC** · 07-12-2004, 06:31 PM

I did exactly that when I had my silverado. If my usersite hadnt been lost, I'd have lots of pics for you. Here are some tips:

1. Use solder or another somewhat rigid yet flexible wire to make a contour for where the box meets the dash. Then trace that contour onto posterboard and cut it out. Make sure it fits how you want it to, then you can match that contour to your console.

2. DO NOT use your 12v lighter sockets to power your system. Run a proper power cable. Trust me

3. Unless it's topheavy, you don't really have to worry all that much about bolting the console to the floor. The weight will keep it there.

4. On my truck, there was a floor vent right where the back of your box will be. I left the back of the console open and used that vent to cool the system in the summer

**EBFoxbat** · 07-12-2004, 06:36 PM

Here's 2:

**lawrence** · 07-12-2004, 06:43 PM

did the same first time around in my caravan, hated it lost space between seat, had to look too far down to see the screen . and then it blocked my heater and radio controls.
only thing nice was it was easy to remove , too easy when i spoke to my ins. guy said if it was not in the dash mounted thay could not insure it .
so i now i am getting much better with fiberglass and into the dash it's going.

**EBFoxbat** · 07-12-2004, 06:45 PM

My insurance says it must be "semi-permanantly afixed to the vehical" So they will insure it, god knows i pay them enough. Tips for the build....anyone?

**lawrence** · 07-12-2004, 06:45 PM

ps still build the consol ,just move the heater and head unit into it.

**EBFoxbat** · 07-12-2004, 06:55 PM

It wont cover the current Hu and HVAC controls

**lawrence** · 07-12-2004, 06:57 PM

i uesd foil tape , the stuff that is used for drier ducts , taped to my dash. then used clay to make an inprint of the contoure. transferd that to hard board (home depot $6 for a 2 x 3 foot piece 3/8 inch thick ) cut it out with jig saw .sanded untill fit perfict. then used that as a templet for a router with a 45 angle and a bearing collet to bring it as close to the dash as possable. aslo for the screen used the same bit cut the opening smaller made a guide on the back side as the router cut it gave a nice radus on the corners.

**antimatter** · 07-12-2004, 07:10 PM

Man that dash is just calling out for a 7" LCD. Are you planning on running headunitless?

I have mine set up that way and it sweet, i don't even miss the headunit (except for radio but i have so much media that i never get board)